If you know you are going to move start packing up things then. Deed up all you can to make it easier to move. I usually pack up a room at a time. Best is if you could, go to test center and plan out a house there, then build on your shard. It saves a lot of time to do it that way.
The house goes like new to slightly, usually that first day, Then it goes to somewhat, fairly, greatly, then Idoc. Times have been different on some of the changes so you never know. Best idea is above ^^. Hope this helps.